HEALTHY AGEING
Only 1 in 10 Australian’s over the age of 50 exercise enough to gain any cardiovascular benefit. And, if you fall into the over 65 age bracket, you are part of the least active age group, spending majority of your time sitting.
The benefits of physical activity for the elderly and its association with improved quality of life, functional ability and longevity are well documented. Simply put - people who remain physically active are generally healthier than those who are inactive.
Exercise has a proven benefit in reducing the risk developing diseases such as:
Type 2 Diabetes
Heart disease
Osteoporosis
Some forms of cancer
Why is Physical Activity important for health ageing?
Exercise slows the physical decline associated with ageing. Some suggest that approximately half the decline associated with old age may be due to a lack of physical activity. Exercise is strongly related to:
Maintaining functional abilities and independence as you age
Reduced levels of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers
Lower risk of falling
Better cognitive function
Reduced levels of depression and other mental health issues
Managing these factors lead to enhanced quality of life, independence, functional capacity, and well-being.
Common Myths
- The human body doesn’t need as much physical activity as it ages
- Exercise is dangerous for older people because they may injure themselves
- Old people are frail and physically weak
- Only vigorous and sustained exercise is of any use
Falls Prevention
As your age increases, so does your risk of falling. In Australia, injuries that are caused by falls are the most common cause of death in people over the age of 75.
There is strong evidence which supports exercise as a single intervention to preventing falls as it can improve muscular strength and balance. Falls prevention is an important component of our healthy ageing programs.
How We Can Help
Rehabacise works closely with you to design and plan a healthy, age appropriate exercise program specifically targeted at improving cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and endurance, balance and functional movements.
Each program is tailored to your exact capabilities and in conjunction with your lifestyle and fitness goals.
It’s never too late to start! Physical activity benefits everyone, even those who only become active later in life.
Group Classes
Rehabacise runs group classes specifically for the elderly population, with a focus on improving the health and physical function of seniors. For more information, please click here.
“I was referred to Sam by my GP for a number of health issues. I have been under Sam’s care twice a week for 4 months and have managed to reduce my body weight significantly, lower my blood pressure and the strengthen muscles I had forgotten about or never knew existed. – it’s great. Thanks Sam.”
Rob